The 2003 Spring Camporee was very well run.  We want to thank Rick and Ray for the use of their land.  We also want to thank those members of the various Indian Nations that shared their traditions, music, and culture with the scouts. 365 scouts and scouters from 24 troops took part in the weekend.  Troop 312 had 13 scouts and 5 leaders for the whole camporee, with several adults making day visits over the course of the 3 days.              

The new scouts learned to assemble their own tents and how to make camp.

The leaders did their best to maintain a hands-off approach and let the boys run the campsite.

Our campsite was visited by Running Bear who explained some of the basic beliefs of his people.  The sky, the land, the water, and the wind are sacred to them and are symbolized by the various points on the compass.

Blue Thunder brought some of his buffalo skins and explained the process of preserving the skin.  He also talked of the connection between the buffalo and his people.  In the western plains, the buffalo was central to the life of the tribe and as such was revered for what it provided to the tribe.

Here, Blue Thunder shows a skin that is almost finished being treated with salt and scraped to prepare it for use.  The finished skin can range in size from 8 feet to up to 14 or 15 feet for a large animal.

Our Scoutmaster taking in the lecture from Blue Thunder.  Check-out the reflection in his sunglasses!

Our campsite being visited by "the management".

The scouts got to try their hand at many traditional Indian craft items as well as some sports. Rusty is assembling a "dream catcher" at this station.

These two scouts are weaving something in a framework. 

Working on the "Leatherworking" merit badge.

Some examples of materials and craftwork.

First leg of the relay race!

The troop heading out to the evening campfire.

Scoutmaster Briggs and scouts watching the start of the campfire.

Fire!  

The campfire at its peak.

Preparing supper...dutch oven lasagna and garlic bread!

Troop 320's "Turkey on a Spit".

A little R&R between activities.

Some of our honored guests.

The Troop 312 team.  We took first place in the hoop and spear competition and Travis was awarded first place in the costume event. (Note:  Regalia is the proper term for Indian ceremonial garb worn by a true Native American).